Upper Iowa football player allegedly assaults Iowa City Police officer using “football move”

A football player for Upper Iowa University was arrested overnight for allegedly assaulting an Iowa City Police officer using a "football move."

It happened just before 1:20 a.m. Sunday in the 10 block of S. Dubuque Street. It’s reported as a separate incident to the strong-arm robbery and assault that also happened around the same time and place in Iowa City.

Police say they found 19-year-old Turner Ellis standing over a man who was knocked out. The report says he then took off and police chased him.

The criminal report says when police tried taking Ellis into custody, he allegedly pushed an officer to the ground, causing a knee injury and tearing the officer’s pants. The report says Ellis called the push a "football move."

Ellis allegedly admitted to being intoxicated. After his arrest, police say Ellis had a .142 blood alcohol level.

Ellis is facing an assault charge along with public intoxication and interference with official acts.

He is currently listed on the Upper Iowa University’s football roster for the 2018 season as a red shirt freshman linebacker.